Author: Reagan Wallace
In a riveting panel featuring some of today’s most captivating authors, a beguiling question arose: what constitutes a psychological thriller? This exploratory conversation, masterfully moderated by Leslie S. Klinger, kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
The illustrious panel included Paul Tremblay, author of The Cabin at the End of the World; Rachel Howzell, the creative force behind They All Fall Down; and Josh Malerman, renowned for Inspection. Their insights expertly blurred the lines between horror and psychological thrillers, probing into the depths of fear and the essence of what makes our skin crawl.
Paul Tremblay wove a fascinating discourse about how psychological thrillers offer a deeper experience of fear than conventional horror. Referencing his latest masterpiece, Tremblay detailed a chilling narrative. The terror unfolds as home invaders intrude upon a gay couple and their adopted Chinese daughter, posing a gruesome proposition that challenges the bounds of morality and love. This visceral exploration of human fear and cruelty showcases the mind’s ability to haunt itself more than any supernatural entity ever could.
Rachel Howzell added a personal touch to the discussion, recounting a frightening incident that once violated her home and shattered her peace of mind. The terrifying question, “What if?” reverberated in her words, reflecting a powerful motif in her novel. They All Fall Down presents a chilling scenario where seven people, marooned on an island, are picked off individually. Her innovative take on this classic tale brings an intriguing perspective – that of a black woman, adding a fresh twist to the genre.
Josh Malerman shared a conundrum that many authors wrestle with – how much of the narrative’s aftermath should they reveal? His response reflected a unique balance between the mystique of JD Salinger and the fan service of J.K. Rowling. In a thrilling twist, Malerman revealed he’s crafting a new tale, Mallory. His latest novel, Inspection, sans a monster, features a dystopian world of prodigious children raised in isolation – an intriguing exploration of fear derived from ignorance.
As the panel drew close, each author revealed their publishing fears, offering an intriguing peek into the writer’s psyche. A lingering question still haunts the room: what is a psychological thriller? Paul Tremblay proposed it’s an opposing viewpoint in an uncivil era, Rachel Howzell suggested it’s our imagination running amok, and Josh Malerman hinted at the terror of the unknown. Their perspectives provided a tantalizing exploration of the genre, yet the definitive answer remains as elusive as ever.
Psychological Thrillers – The Real and the Imagined – Conversation 1075
Paul Tremblay – The Cabin at the End of the World
Rachel Howzell – They All Fall Down
Josh Malerman – Inspection
Leslie S. Klinger – Moderator